Purpose: Antero-medial parapatellar skin incision in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) provides excellent surgical exposure with minimal skin incision length. However, it is associated with the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve section, leading to antero-lateral knee hypoesthesia and sometimes painful nevroma. We hypothesized that. antero-lateral skin incision in TKA produces a lower rate of hypoesthesia compared to the medial parapatellar cutaneous approach, and. reduced hypoesthesia is linked with less discomfort and possibly a better clinical outcome. Method: A total of 69 knees in 64 patients who underwent TKA were randomized for antero-medial (n=35) or antero-lateral (n=34) skin incision. Mean age was 66.4±8.2 years. Functional outcome was assessed by WOMAC, KOOS and SF-36 scores pre-operatively and at six weeks, six months and one year follow-up. Range of motion (active and passive flexion and extension) was measured. The area of hypoesthesia was analyzed in a standardized manner by an independent observer using a calibrated Semme-Weinstein monofilament applied on 13 reference points. A digital photograph was taken, and the area of hypoesthesia was then measured informatically (Mesurim Pro. ®. software). Patient satisfaction with their scar and their surgery was evaluated. Statistical analysis was carried out with p< 0.05 considered as significant. Results: The two groups were comparable pre-operatively. There was no significant difference in functional outcome (WOMAC, KOOS, SF-36 scores) at six weeks, six months and one year between the two groups. Active and passive ranges of motion were comparable. The area of hypoesthesia and the number of non-perceived points in the monofilament test were significantly lower after antero-lateral incision at six weeks (p=0.007 and p=0.02, respectively) and 6 months (p=0.02 and p=0.005, respectively). At one year, the area of hypoesthesia was lower in the antero-lateral group, but was not significant (p=0.08). Antero-lateral incision patients reported a lower rate of subjective sensitivity loss and anterior knee pain at six weeks, six months and one year. Conclusion: Antero-medial and antero-lateral parapatellar skin incisions in TKA have a similar functional outcome. However, antero-lateral cutaneous incision produces a lower rate of hypoaesthesia and less anterior knee pain in the early recovery period

Purpose of the study: A medial incision for implantation of a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) offers an excellent surgical exposure while minimising the length of the skin opening. This incision however implies section of the proximal portion of the infrapatellar branch of the medial saphenous nerve, potentially associated with lateral hypoesthesia and formation of a neuroma (painful scar). We hypothesised that an anterolateral skin incision would produce less hypoesthesia and postoperative discomfort. Material and methods: We conducted a prospective randomised study to compare the degree of hypoesthesia after a medial or lateral skin incision for the implantation of a TKA. Fifty-knees in 43 patients, mean age 65.9±8.4 years were included; 26 knees for the lateral incision and 24 for the medial. All patients had the same type of implant. Clinical results were assessed with WOMAC, KOOS and SF36. Semme-Weinstein monofilaments were applied to measure sensitivity at 13 characteristic points. Patients were assessed at six weeks and six months. The zone of hypoesthesia was delimited and photographed for measurement with Mesurim Pro9. ®. Satisfaction with the surgery and the scar was noted. Data were processed with Statview. ®. ; p< 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The two groups were comparable preoperatively regarding age, gender, body weight, height, body mass index, body surface area, aetiology, and clinical score. Operative time, blood loss, and number of complications were comparable. The functional outcomes (WOMAC, KOOS, SF36) were comparable at six weeks and six months. Active flexion was significantly greater at six months in the lateral incision group (p=0.03). The zone of hypoesthesia was significantly smaller in the lateral incision group at six weeks (p< 0.01) and at six months (p< 0.01), as were the number of points not perceived on the filament test (p< 0.01 in both cases) while the length of the incision was comparable (p> 0.05). This was associated subjectively, with less loss of sensitivity and less anterior pain reported by the patient at six months. Discussion: Lateral and medial incisions enable comparable functional outcomes. The lateral incision produces less hypoesthesia and less anterior pain. This improves the immediate postoperative period and facilitates rehabilitation as is shown by the gain in flexion at six months

Femoral nerve block is a reliable and effective method of providing anaesthesia and analgesia in the peri-operative period but there remains a small but serious risk of neurological complication. We aimed to determine incidence and outcome of neurological complications following femoral nerve block in patients who had major knee surgery. During the period January 2003 to August 2008, medical records of all patients undergoing knee surgery by Dr Myles Coolican and Dr David Parker, who had been administered femoral block for peri-operative analgesia, were evaluated. Patients with a neurological complication were invited take part in the study. A detailed physical examination including sensory responses, motor response and reflexes in both limbs was performed by an independent orthopaedic surgeon. Subjective outcome and pain specific questionnaires as well as clinical measurements were also collected. Out of 1393 patients administered with femoral nerve block anaesthesia during this period, 28 subjects (M:F= 5:23) were identified on the basis of persistent symptoms (more than three months) of femoral nerve dysfunction. All the patients had sensory dysfunction in the autonomous zone of femoral nerve sensory distribution. The incidence of neurological complications was 2.01%. One patient was deceased of unrelated causes and five patients declined to participate in the study. 14 patients out of the 22 have been examined so far. Nine cases had a one shot nerve block and five had continuous peripheral nerve block catheter. Areas of hypoesthesia/anaesthesia involving femoral nerve distribution occurred in 7 subjects and hyperaesthesia/paresthesia occurred in four. One subject had a combination of hypoesthesia and hyperesthesia in different areas of the femoral nerve distribution. Three subjects had bilateral symptoms following bilateral simultaneous nerve blocks. Dysesthesias in the affected dermatomes were found in seven cases and paresthesias were found in eight cases. Douleur Neuropathique en 4 questions (DN4) score of ï. 3. 4 was found in all the patients (average value: 5.55). The average scores for tingling, pins and needles and burning sensation (in a scale from 0 to 10) are 3.8, 3.1 and 2.9 respectively. The incidence of persistent neurological complication after femoral nerve block in our series is much higher compared to the reported incidence in the contemporary literature (Auroy Y. et al. Major complications of regional anesthesia in France: Anesthesiology 2002; 97:1274 80). The symptoms significantly influence the quality of life in the affected cases and question the value of the femoral nerve block in knee surgery

Introduction: Although the primary aim of Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is to relieve chronic joint pain, 10–20% of patients experience unexplained chronic pain after surgery. One possible cause of this pain is central sensitisation. Prolonged exposure to a noxious input can lead the central nervous system to become sensitised to pain (central sensitisation), which can become self-sustaining and persist after the removal of the noxious stimuli i.e after TKR. The aim of this study was to determine if knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients awaiting TKR have evidence of sensory perception abnormalities, by comparing detection and pain thresholds from OA patients to those of age- and gender-matched healthy participants. Patients and Methods: Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) was performed on 107 knee OA patients on the waiting list for primary TKR and 50 age- and gender-matched healthy participants without knee pain or TKR. QST assesses somatosensory function through measuring participant responses to external stimuli of controlled intensity. QST was performed on both knees and the pain-free forearm of all participants. Von Frey filaments were used to measure touch detection thresholds, a digital Algometer to measure pressure pain thresholds, and the MSA Thermotest to measure detection and pain thresholds to hot and cold. Significant differences in the median threshold values between knee OA patients and healthy participants were tested for using Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: Detection thresholds: OA patients had significantly higher detection thresholds for hot and cold (both p< 0.05) in the index knee (but not at other sites) compared to healthy participants. Touch detection thresholds were significantly higher at all body sites in OA patients compared to healthy participants (all p< 0.001). Pain thresholds: Pressure pain thresholds were significantly lower in OA patients at all body sites (all p< 0.001) but there were no significant differences in hot or cold pain thresholds between OA patients and healthy participants at any body site (all p> 0.05). Discussion: This study showed that knee OA patients have modality-specific sensory and pain perception abnormalities. These included thermal hypoesthesia (reduced sensitivity) in the index knee and tactile hypoesthesia at all body sites tested, alongside hyperalgesia (increased pain sensitivity) to pressure pain at all body sites. Future research aims to determine if these sensory perception abnormalities are predictive of chronic pain after TKR

Purpose. This study aims to report the radiological corrections achieved and complication profile of Peri-Acetabular Osteotomy (PAO) undertaken through the minimally invasive approach. Method. 106 PAOs were performed in 103 patients, by senior author, using a minimally invasive approach from 2007 to 2015. Pre- and post-operative radiographs were reviewed and the degree of acetabular re-orientation was analysed. Case notes were examined retrospectively to identify haemoglobin levels and complications across two sites. Results. 73 female and 30 male patients underwent PAO procedures at a mean age of 25 years (9 – 54 years). Follow-up ranged from 23 to 80 months. 26 patients had concurrent proximal femoral osteotomies. Pre-operatively the average centre edge angle measured −1.6° with the vertical centre edge angle reading −0.2°. Post-operative radiographs confirmed correction of these values to 30° and 25.1° respectively. Sharp's angle also improved from a mean value of 49.5° to 33.3°. Review of the Tönnis angle showed correction from an average of 24.1° to 6.9°. The average drop in haemoglobin was calculated as 39 g/L with around 50 % of the patients requiring a peri-operative blood transfusion. The mean preoperative modified Harris Hip Score was 65.6 (Standard deviation σ=11.6) and the same at follow-up was 84.1(σ=11.5). Our outcome scores were comparable with recent PAO series including that of Gray et al. 10 patients reported lateral cutaneous nerve hypoesthesia and 9 had problematic screws. 2 patients underwent washouts as treatment for haematoma and infection. 4 patients had delayed union of the pubic osteotomy and a further 8 patients had asymptomatic osteotomy non-union. One posterior column non-union necessitated plating. One painful fibrous union of ischium and 3 inferior pubic rami stress fractures. Conclusion. This study shows that minimally invasive approach has favourable outcomes and that it is feasible to achieve adequate correction with results/complication profile comparable to traditional approach

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the reliability of the sural flap with a distal pedicle for covering tissue loss of the posterior aspect of the heal and the malleolar region in diabetic patients. Material and methods: We present a retrospective consecutive series with 28 month follow-up. Thirteen flaps in 13 patients (10 men, 3 women), mean age 64 years. A homolateral flap was used in all cases, covering on average 48 cm. 2. Substance loss involved the hind foot in ten cases and the malleolar region in three. Three patients had recent bone trauma, four had chronic osteitis and six a pressure wound involving the heel. All patients had non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Results: The flap head in 24 days on average (range 18–45), the donor site in 15 days. Eleven patients were able to wear normal shoes. At last follow-up all patients were free of infectious recurrence. There was one flap necrosis, three necrotic borders (one skin graft), two cases of venous insufficiency, and ten cases of hypoesthesia of the lateral border of the foot. Discussion: There have not been any reports in the literature of the neurocutaneous sural flap with a distal pedicle for diabetic patients. In our series, this flap was found to be a reproducible solution for covering substance loss of the heel and malleolar region in the diabetic. Conclusion: This flap with a long pedicle does not require microvascular qualification. It is easy to perform, induces few functional sequelae. For diabetic patients, it is an alternative to amputation, without compromising future options since the vascular and muscle stock are preserved

Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome is frequent in children with mucopolysaccharidosis. Diagnosis is difficult according to the slow progression of compression of the medial nerve and treatment is controversial. Material & Methods: Twelve children were studied: 8 Hurler’s, 2 Hunter’s and 2 Maroteaux-Lamy’s diseases. All had clinical and EMG evaluation. Eight of them were operated, both sides. Results: All the children had progressive and severe hypoesthesia before surgery. Nerve conduction velocity was very slow compared to normal values. After the open surgical release (16 cases) and synovectomy of flexor tendons (13 of 16 cases), all the patients were improved. The histology of the synovitis showed less glycosaminoglycans in patients who had a bone marrow transplantation. Surgical treatment must be an open release of the anterior ligament associated with a synovectomy of flexor tendons and a ventral epineurotomy. Discussion: According to the literature, carpal tunnel syndrome is observed in two third of patients of type I, II and VI mucopolysaccharidosis. Diagnosis is often difficult when cervical compression of the spinal cord is an associated factor. The diagnosis is made with clinical and EMG evaluation. Treatment must be early. MRI is an alternative to evaluate the morphology of the nerve: its compression below the carpal ligament and its bulky aspect just proximal to the carpal tunnel are clearly shown

Introduction: At the 2nd Orthopaedic Clinic of Turin the subcutaneous rupture of the Achillis tendon is treated with the Ma-Grifþth technique, followed by cast for eight weeks, weight bearing is possible after 2 months. Aim of this work is to evaluate 61 patients operated. Materials and methods: 61 patients were evaluated, divided into 2 groups: group A) 20 male patients treated from 1991 to 1996, mean age 37 years, follow-up 3,3 years, in the 1997 they had a clinical, echosonographic and isokinetic evaluation. Group B) 41 patients, 4 female, treated from 1997 to may 2002, mean age 37,5, mean follow-up 3,6 years, in the 2002 they were clinically evaluated. Results: Group A): the ecographic analysis revealed the thickening of the operated tendon, the isokinetich analysis revealed the same range of movement of the not-affected side, without lack of strength. Group A and B): at the clinical evaluation a normal walking and all the patients came back to the athletic activities in 5 months. The 5% of the cases presented cicatricial adhaesions, the 10% of the cases presented a light hypoesthesia of the sural nerve. Only one rupture occurred after the re-beginning of the sport activity. Conclusion: This technique has several vantages, like the mini-invasivity, the rapidity of esecution and a low rate of severe complications and gave us good results, therefore we think that could be indicated in the non agonistic patient

Purpose of the study: The communicating branch of the lateral plantar nerve is an anastomotic branch between the medial and lateral plantar nerves. Morton’s pseudoneuroma is usually described as resulting from the combination of one of the divisions of the medial plantar nerve and the communicating branch of the lateral plantar nerve. Surgical treatment of Morton’s pseudoneuroma can fail, leading to recurrent neuroma, or digital hypoesthesia. We performed an anatomic dissection study to search for the anatomic basis for an improved surgical technique. Material and methods: The study included 35 feet of embalmed cadavers. A standard protocol was used for dissection. We studied the communicating branch, its frequency and size, and measured its attachment on the 3rd and 4th plantar common digital nerves. All other nerve ramifications were noted. Results: None of the 35 dissected feet presented a macroscopic Morton pseudoneuroma. The communicating branch was present in 77% of the specimens with frequent anatomic variations concerning the size, ramifications, orientation and distance from the intermetatarsal ligament. A fine plantar cutaneous branch was often found under the intermetatarsal ligament. The bifurcation of the 2. nd. and 3. rd. nerves was occasions not far from the junction of the communicating branch on the 3. rd. nerve, raising the risk of injury to the 2. nd. nerve during surgical excision of a Morton pseudoneuroma. Discussion: The communicating branch appears to play a role in recurrence after excision of the Morton pseudoneuroma by preventing the retraction of the 3. rd. digital nerve in the muscle zone if it is not sectioned. However, wide resection of the proximal part of the 3. rd. nerve and the communicating branch could lead to digital hypoesthesis if the 2. nd. digital nerve is injured. The proximity of the bifurcations of the 2. nd. and 3. rd. nerves and of the 3. rd. nerve with the communicating branch could explain this type of complication. Conclusion: We advocate resection of the pseudoneuroma under visual control in order to carefully resect the communicating branch without injuring the adjacent nerve branches

Purpose. Shoulder dislocations account for 50 % of all dislocations, of which 98% are anterior dislocations. Different techniques have been described in literature with variable success, which depends upon type of dislocation, technique used and muscle relaxation. Method. A retrospective review of data of all shoulder dislocations presented to accident and emergency department over a one-year period was undertaken. Over a 1-year period total of 52 patients presented with mean age of 41 years. Closed reduction was attempted in all patients by accident and emergency department using various techniques and combination of analgesia. Unsuccessful reductions and those with associated fractures were referred to orthopaedics department. This group had closed reduction utilising Sahas zero position technique in accident and emergency department. Post reduction all patients had two views of radiograph to confirm reduction and poly-sling for 2–3 weeks. Results. We had 37 (71.1%) males and 15(28.8%) females with shoulder dislocations. In our patients 98% were anterior dislocations and 14 % were dislocations associated with fractures. Of 52 patients 33 (63%) were first time dislocations and 17(33%) had recurrent dislocations In cohort of 52 patients 7(13.4%) had neurological deficit prior to reduction, which was sensory hypoesthesia along the regimental badge area, and 1(2%) had a post reduction neurology using modified Milch technique. Most of our patients 38 (73%) were reduced using various techniques for reducing shoulder dislocation. In these 38 patients analgesia varied from Entonox to combination of Entonox with intravenous morphine with or without diazepam. Our department was referred 14(27%) patients. Seven patients were referred due to failure of reduction where several attempts with different techniques were made and 7 were directly referred due to association of fracture with the dislocations. 14(27 %) of our patients were reduced using zero position of shoulder in first attempt without the need for additional analgesia. Of these 14 patients 7 had complex shoulder dislocation associated with fractures. We had only one failure of reduction using Sahas zero position of shoulder. This patient had recurrent dislocation with large Hill Sachs defect. This was reduced under general anaesthesia using zero position of shoulder as described by Saha. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that zero position of shoulder described by Saha is safe, effective and easy method for reducing both anterior, posterior and fracture dislocations of the shoulder. Given the principles of reduction in zero position no additional analgesia and traction is required. The feedback from patients in regards to discomfort and pain was also positive. We conclude that this data suggests the routine use of Sahas technique in reducing both simple and complex shoulder dislocations

Introduction: Pediatric radial neck fractures account for 5 to 10 % of all elbow fractures. Depending on the degree of radial head displacement either operative intervention or conservative treatment is recommended. Open reduction offers anatomic fracture fixation but compromises the vulnerable blood supply. Intramedullary nailing combines the advantages of closed reduction and stable internal fracture fixation. The purpose of the presented study was to evaluate the outcome of treatment of a series of pediatric radial neck fractures. Special contributions in our algorithm were made to the age dependant capacity for spontaneous fracture remodelling. Materials and Methods: The medical data of all children with fractures of the radial head between 1999 and 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. Fractures were classified according to the classification system described by Judet et al. Depending on the angulation of the fracture and on the age of the patient the treatment algorithm was defined. Type I fractures were treated conservatively and Type IV fractures operatively independent of age. Type III fractures in patients younger than 6 years of age were treated conservatively without reduction and Type II fractures were reduced in children older than 12 years of age. The functional outcome was graduated from excellent to poor according to the score of Linscheid and Wheeler. Results: In our study 168 patients, 88 male and 80 female, were included. The average age of the patients was 9 years (range 3 to 16 years). There were 103 Type I injuries, 21 Type II, 30 Type III and 14 Type IV injuries. Conservative treatment was possible in 124 (73.8%) patients (103 Type I, 12 Type II, 9 Type III injuries). Operative intervention was performed in 44 (26.2%) patients (9 Type II, 21 Type III, 14 Type IV injuries). In 10 patients a K-wire was used to leverage the radial head percutaneous. Open fracture reduction was required in 4 patients. Necrosis of the radial head was found in 2 patients with open reduction. One child presented with hypoesthesia in the area of the superficial radial nerve. The latest follow up examination was performed after 26 months mean (range 11 months to 7 years). We found excellent results in 158 patients, good results in 5, fair in 3 and poor in 2 patients. Discussion: An intact vascular supply to the radial head is essential to avoid complications. The iatrogenic impact to the nutritive vessels should be kept to a minimum. Closed fracture reduction and intramedullary nailing has improved the prognosis. Spontaneous fracture remodeling might successfully replace unnecessary maneuvers for fracture reduction. However, the proximal physis of the radius is responsible for only 20–30% of the growth of the radius and therefore spontaneous fracture remodeling is restricted. Following our treatment algorithm we found excellent results in the majority of cases

Purpose of the study: Injury to the infrapatellar branches of the medial saphenous vein are incriminated in disorder of the anterior aspect of the knee after bone-tendon-bone ligamentoplasty procedures. We have demonstrated in an anatomic study the usefulness of a minimal two-way approach for harvesting the patellar transplant in order to preserve the nerve branches. The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the feasibility of this method and its impact on the sensitivity of the anterior aspect of the knee after ligamentoplasty in comparison with the usual harvesting technique. Material and methods: This non-randomized prospective controlled contemporary study included 47 consecutive patients. The graft was harvested via two vertical incisions, one on the apex of the patella, the other on the eminence of the anterior tibial tuberosity. After harvesting the patellar splint, discision of the patellar tendon fibers was performed subcutaneously to the tibial tuberosity. Before removing the graft via the tibial incision with a forceps inserted via the inferior incision without injuring the peritendon. A tibial piece was then harvested. The ligamentoplasty was performed as usual using two anterolateral and anteromedial arthroscopic portals. The tibial tunnel was drilled first on the tibial tuberosity. These 47 knees were compared with 34 knees where the conventional approach was used (control group). We assess: harvesting time, width of the tendon transplant, quality of the graft, requirement to convert to conventional harvesting technique. Patients were reviewed at six weeks, three months and six months to assess anterior pain, dysesthesia, surface area of hypo or anesthesia and at six months kneeling problem. Results: Conversion was not necessary for any of the knees. Mean harvesting time was 17 minutes (control group ten minutes). A good quality graft was obtained in all cases. Thirty-five patients were reviewed at six months. No sensorial disorders were noted in 18 patients. Sensorial disorders were noted in 17 patients (permanent hypoesthesia in the control group). None of the patients presented anesthesia. The mean surface area presenting a sensorial disorder was 13.6 cm. 2. at six weeks (37.8 cm. 2. in the control group) and 8.85 cm. 2. at six months (23.4 cm. 2. in the control group). Mean gain compared with the control group was 62%. There were two cases of anterior pain at six months and no case of dysesthesia. Sixteen patients could kneel normally (none in the control group); kneeling was not possible in one patient. Discussion: The infrapatellar branches of the medial saphenous nerve are often injured when harvesting a bone-tendon-bone graft for ligamentoplasty. Anterior disorders would in part be correlated with the degree of sensorial impairment on the anterior aspect of the knee. The subcutaneous harvesting technique presented here with two minimal incisions appears to be an attractive alternative. Conclusion: Our study confirmed the feasibility of this harvesting technique which significantly reduces the surface area of sensorial disorders and avoids most kneeling problems

Outcomes following different types of surgical intervention for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) are well reported individually but comparative data are deficient. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis to analyze the outcomes following surgical management of FAI by hip arthroscopy (HA), anterior mini open approach (AMO), and surgical hip dislocation (SHD). This SR was registered with PROSPERO. An electronic database search of PubMed, Medline, and EMBASE for English and German language articles over the last 20 years was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We specifically analyzed and compared changes in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), α-angle, rate of complications, rate of revision, and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA). A total of 48 articles were included for final analysis with a total of 4,384 hips in 4,094 patients. All subgroups showed a significant correction in mean α angle postoperatively with a mean change of 28.8° (95% confidence interval (CI) 21 to 36.5; p < 0.01) after AMO, 21.1° (95% CI 15.1 to 27; p < 0.01) after SHD, and 20.5° (95% CI 16.1 to 24.8; p < 0.01) after HA. The AMO group showed a significantly higher increase in PROMs (3.7; 95% CI 3.2 to 4.2; p < 0.01) versus arthroscopy (2.5; 95% CI 2.3 to 2.8; p < 0.01) and SHD (2.4; 95% CI 1.5 to 3.3; p < 0.01). However, the rate of complications following AMO was significantly higher than HA and SHD. All three surgical approaches offered significant improvements in PROMs and radiological correction of cam deformities. All three groups showed similar rates of revision procedures but SHD had the highest rate of conversion to a THA. Revision rates were similar for all three revision procedures.